International Rowing Federation Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
The International Rowing Federation (FISA) (in French: Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron) is an international organization that oversees rowing competitions. Its current president is Denis Oswald. The Rowing World Cup, FISA World Rowing Championships, and other such competitions are overseen by this organization.
FISA was founded by rowing representatives from France, Switzerland, Belgium, Adriatica, and Italy on June 25, 1892 in response to the growing popularity of the sport of rowing, and the consequent need for uniformity for regulations, over such matters as race lengths, boat compostition, and weight classes. Also, at the time, betting on rowing was very popular, and the rowers or coaches were themselves often taking bets. Amateur status was unknown in the sport, a state of affairs which can lead to corruption, such as thrown races.
The first regatta organised by the newly formed FISA was held in Orta, Italy, and had only 10 entries in 3 events. No participants were professionals.
FISA established its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1922.
By 1925, the 27th European Championships, held in Prague included 24 entries in 10 different events.
FISA is the oldest international sports organisation to participate in the Olympic games.
FISA organises a large number of rowing events though out the year.
In 2002, Adaptive rowing events were introduced for the following classes of disability: LTA (legs, trunk and arms), TA (trunk, arms), and A (arms-only).
History
Events
Rowing World Cup
Started in 1997, the World Cup comprises of three regattas held in early Summer.World Rowing Championships
A week long regatta held every year. During Olympic years, only non-Olympic boat classes race. The Junior Championships (for those under 18) are also held at the same time.World Rowing Under 23 Regatta
First held in 1976, this regatta is for those too old for the Junior Championships but under 23.World Rowing Masters Regatta
For rowers over the age of 27. There are also events for mixed crews - where half the crew is men and half women (excluding cox).World Rowing Sprints
A new idea introduced in 2002 as an attempt to bring rowing to the center of cities (the first event took place in Hyde Park, London). International crews raced over 500 m. Has not been held since.